Livelihood Project launched by NBJK-Khunti

An An inclusive program on livelihood enhancement of 2500 households in 45 villages under Khunti district was initiated by NBJK with support of Sir Ratan Tata Trust, Mumbai and CInI-Jharkhand began formally on 10 March through the project launching workshop held at CInI office, Khunti. The program was inaugurated by Mr. Edmond Minz (District Agriculture Officer, Khunti) who favored for team spirit and clear vision to make it a success. The DAO has welcomed NBJK supported farming on fallow land with cash crop like tomato, watermelon and assured for scheme based facilities to farmers. Er. Satish Girija (Founder & Secretary, NBJK) has established relevance of the program for Jharkhand where majority of people depend upon rain fed agriculture and migrate due to food insecurity. Improved agricultural practices and allied activities have enough potential to transform rural income pattern, he emphasized. Mr. Sirshendu Paul (Team Leader, Tata Trust-CInI Cell) has briefed about their activities and termed Khunti as a priority district to work with high focus, continuous funding and due commitment. Mr. Ayan Dev (Program Coordinator, Tata Trust-CInI Cell) has shared about achievements of prior work by NBJK-CInI that benefitted 2050 households with increased food security, cash crop farming, livestock rearing and more income. Mr. Ravish Chandra (District Soil Conservation Officer) has stressed over convergence of all related programs for good result. Ms. Sushma Lakra (BDO, Murhu), Ms. Rita Singh (JSLPS), Dr. S. K. Singh (Ex-Dean, BAU), Dr. R. K. Thakur (Sr. Scientist, NFSM), Dr. Ravi Shankar (AVRDC), Mr. R K Pandey (PRADAN), Mr. Umesh Rana, Ms. Garima (CInI) and others have participated in this event. The livelihood program aims for increased annual income of Rs. 1 lac 20 thousand to each beneficiary family of Murhu block within the period of five years.